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The Multiple Personality Chicken & My Signature Chicken Recipe
We all remember the book Sybil, right? I call this recipe "Chicken Sybil" because it's the "multiple personality" chicken, made in so very many different ways, all wonderful. It's so easy to make in a single skillet, the chicken turns out moist and juicy in the center, slightly crispy at the edges. The sauce is so variable, it starts with a creamy-mustard sauce then adds on-hand ingredients. I think you'll love Chicken Sybil, it's the "one way" I make chicken again and again, yet it never turns out the same twice.

What a favorite easy supper recipe, just healthy lentils and tofu for a vegetarian supper, or lentils and shrimp for omnivores who eat seafood. The Indian-style spices make the whole dish really come alive. ‘Concept recipes’ are big favorites here at Kitchen Parade.They’re like families that get along, combinations of ingredients that come together easily as written. But like friendly families happy to have visitors, the recipes seem to sit up and beg for adjustments for taste preferences, on-hand ingredients and seasonal vegetables.This lentil skillet supper is a classic concept recipe, one recipe with at least two entirely different outcomes.The first recommended combination is red lentils and shrimp that’s creamy and comforting. Its cousin is black lentils with tofu that’s hearty and satisfying. Or if you like, go for red lentils with tofu and black lentils with shrimp.The dishes are so different, serve them two nights in a row and no one will complain.And if you’ve got chicken or p…

“Might as well the way I am.” That’s my Dad’s customary response when offered a second helping, another slice of pie, just one more cookie. Whether accompanied with contrition or, more often, by an appreciative grin, his words reflect the wisdom of 80 years. So near the end of the holiday season, perhaps the rest of us might benefit from similar acceptance. After all, the damage is already done: nearly all the holiday parties and family gatherings, buffets and dinners are behind us. Besides, January 2 and the inevitable extra cycles on the Stairmaster will arrive soon enough. So add these festive almonds to your New Year’s celebration fare. They pack an addictive bite along with (okay, feel virtuous, starting now!) protein and fiber. If you can, keep from tasting the candied pepper bits that fall from the nuts! We might as well, the way we are.
ALANNA’S TIPS Black Pepper Almonds are an easy make-ahead or last-minute addition to party tables. Once they’re out of the oven, the trick i…

A simple winter fruit salad, all familiar fruits, just apples, tangerines and pomegranates but in an unexpected and delightful combination with cardamom, fresh mint and a burst of orange. It's been a favorite for many years, especially for a winter brunch, Christmas morning and a light dessert during the holidays.

Time was, the fastest way to a man’s heart was through his stomach. But in Title IX time, turn-about is fair play. Bachelors, take heed: the way to a woman’s heart is a home-cooked meal. Restaurants are wise choices for first dates and special occasions. But soon enough, she’ll invite you over, then wait for you to reciprocate. Or she won’t, but your wallet will suffer from dining out.Enter Date-Night Chicken, an easy, inexpensive and make-ahead supper guaranteed by a now happily married cousin to ‘reel them in’. A relaxed evening at home is the bait. With a little planning, your preparations can be just as easy-going; with a little luck, your payoff can be just as big.
First up, the tackle. Stop by the grocery, remembering to pick up salad essentials from the salad bar and something chocolate for dessert. You can cook the chicken, but not bake it, up to a day ahead. With supper under control, survey the fishing hole. Create a romantic playlist on your iPOD just for her. Chill a bott…

A popular recipe from the 1950s and 1960s, a dense, moist cranberry cake served with a rich butter sauce. Tis the season! The halls are decked, strings of street lights blink red and green, sweet singing in the choir. Snow is glistening and Jack Frost nips at our noses so the fire is so delightful. With any luck, Mommy’s kissing Santa Claus, we’ll all be home for Christmas and faithful friends will gather near. Soon enough, the night will fall silent, upon the midnight clear. We’ll hear the bells on Christmas morn, our finest gifts we’ll bring. Joy to the world! In the kitchen, tis the season to turn to recipes festive and somehow familiar, even if new, simple and yet special, even if decidedly unfussy. These cranberry recipes are favorites at my house. The pudding cake stretches back into my childhood. I remember my mother ladling buttery pools onto plates, then licking the spoon. It’s an English-style pudding, a dense, moist cake. It’s delicious with the sauce, good without. Mom’s sau…